The Tuk Tuk Experience in Bangkok

Just like any other ‘new tourist’ in Bangkok I was eager to experience the rides in the famous Tuk Tuks of Bangkok. Tuk Tuks are similar to the autorikshaws of India, but are more spacious. The name originated from the sound of the motor of the vehicle and the sound really went tuk tuk tuk tuk… Two three rides in them and I decided I better take the taxi or the bus or the Sky Train there. The drivers are all great guys, but when they see tourists they can’t resist taking them for a ride!

Tuk tuk Experience 1

The first lesson learnt, was negotiating the prices before you get in. The guy did take us to our destination but charged an exorbitant rate and I unnecessarily had to go through the haggling process to bring down the rate to 60Baht from 200Baht. I am sure that short trip wouldn’t have cost anything more than 20Bahts.

Tuk tuk Experience 2

Next ride I took, the fare was fixed, the destination was fixed but I made the mistake of not deciding the route. Now this gentleman i.e. the Tuk Tuk driver wanted to take us to the Palace via a Chinese Gem factory, textile shops and finally a tailor shop who delivers stitched clothes within a day. On objecting to his grand plans, he tried hard to convince me what a great experience I would miss after coming to Bangkok all the way from India.

After a lot of debate on where we the tourists should actually go, he told us the truth that he would get some coupons for fuel. I finally gave in to his pleading look and agreed on just one stop. That is it.

The fact is most tourists come with very short time in hand to the city. And if more than half a day is spent touring according to the driver’s requirements, it is sheer waste of time and money for the tourists. But I must add here that they are very friendly guys, always with a smile, one has to be just alert and aware.

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Yes, tuk tuk in Bangkok or auto rickshaws in India. They have a lot in common. Given a chance, they will overcharge and they love to weave through traffic. Phew! But in Bangkok, in rush hour, they can take you through the small lanes and get you to your destinations faster.

A jolly narrative ! Tuktuks are as fun and as maddening as our own autos ! And yeah, the bargaining bit can drive one nuts but cant survive without bargaining in the Far East ……..trying to force tourists to go to some commercial establishments where the drivers get a cut happens in our country too.

Brighton, the city next to my town, used to have tuk-tuks, which were very colourful and popular, and for a short while they became an icon of the city. But they were a bit too popular for the taxi drivers, who managed to get them made illegal!

i think that's every problem of any tourist traveling to another country… prepare to be overprice!! ^-^but, disregard those and just enjoy the city of the place you're traveling and admire its culture.

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You can see this type of three wheeler in remote parts of Haryana. These three wheeler are basically assembled at road side fabricators. They don't even have shock absorber/ suspensions. In some parts it is called as 'Nandi'

I took one tuktuk in BKK then avoided them. Not only are they ready to take you for a ride and get your money, but I found them really aggressive and too in my face. Not the most confortable when travelling alone.

Taking a Tuk Tuk ride is on my list for Bangkok, not necessarily even to get anywhere specifically, just to experience the ride! Duly noted on negotiating both the route and the price up front 🙂 Live and let learn right!